NYC & Company Announces Harlem For The Holidays 2009

NYC & COMPANY ANNOUNCES HARLEM FOR THE HOLIDAYS 2009

FIRST-EVER HARLEM FOR THE HOLIDAYS BAZAAR TO BE HELD SUNDAY, DECEMBER 6 AT THE HIP HOP CULTURE CENTER

Cast Members from Broadway�s Hit Musical Memphis To Perform at 12:30pm to Kick Off The Bazaar; Local Harlem Acts to Perform throughout the Day

New York City (November 23, 2009) -- NYC & Company, New York City�s official marketing tourism and partnership organization, today announces its first-ever Harlem for the Holidays Bazaar on Sunday, December 6 from noon to 5 p.m. at the Hip Hop Culture Center in the Magic Johnson Theater in Harlem. More than 40 Harlem stores, restaurants and cultural institutions will showcase the best of Harlem under one roof. New Yorkers and visitors will shop for unique holiday gifts from Harlem vendors, purchase food from Harlem�s hottest restaurants and enjoy a soulful Broadway performance by cast members from the new hit musical Memphis. The Bazaar is part of NYC & Company�s six-week Harlem for the Holidays marketing campaign which runs from November 27, 2009 - January 3, 2010 to promote Harlem as a shopping and cultural destination during the holiday season.

�Harlem is one of the most historic and dynamic neighborhoods in the City,� said NYC & Company CEO George Fertitta. �NYC & Company�s first-ever Harlem for the Holidays Bazaar and our annual marketing campaign offer new ways for New Yorkers and visitors to explore this incredible neighborhood and take advantage of some of the best shops, restaurants and entertainment that New York City has to offer.�

The Bazaar will feature unique holiday gifts - clothing, artwork, books, jewelry, toys, and wine - from merchants including: B Oyama, Carol�s Daughter, Hats By Bunn, The Brownstone, The Winery, Harlem�s Heaven Boutique, N Boutique, Grandma�s Place, Hue-Man Bookstore, Sophisticated Funk, Montgomery, Posh Paws of Manhattan, Pollen Nation Events & Floral, Canvas Paper and Stone Gallery and more.

Shoppers will have the chance to purchase food from popular Harlem restaurants and bakeries including: Chez Lucienne, Tonnie's Minis, Sylvia's Restaurant, Creole, Havana Central at the West End, Make My Cake, La Fonda Boricua, Settepani Caf�, Society Coffee, Dinosaur Bar-B-Que, Gran Piatto D�Oro, Atomic Wings, Gospel Uptown, Mischelle�s Catering and Soul Food Bistro and more.

In addition to cast members from Broadway�s new musical Memphis, Harlem musicians, singers and dancers including professional tap dancer Omar Edwards, musician Atiba Kwabena-Wilson and Vy Higginsen�s Gospel for Teens Choir will take center stage to provide holiday cheer. While their families shop, children will enjoy creating a special holiday craft project.

NYC & Company will provide free shuttle service between select Harlem destinations from noon to 5 p.m. every Sunday starting November 27, 2009 through January 3, 2010 to help locals and visitors navigate the neighborhood.

For a complete list of Harlem for the Holidays merchants, and for the free Harlem shuttle schedule and routes visit nycgo.com/harlemfortheholidays.

NYC & Company�s six-week Harlem for the Holidays marketing campaign promotes Harlem as a cultural destination for dining, shopping, art, and entertainment for NYC locals and visitors during the holidays. The program features an online guide also available at nycgo.com/harlemfortheholidays that highlights local activities and holidays events in Harlem from November 27, 2009 - January 3, 2010.

The campaign also includes print and outdoor advertising, a dedicated brochure, taxi videos and social media such as Facebook and Twitter.

Harlem for the Holidays 2009 builds on the foundation from the previous two years and targets residents of Harlem and nearby neighborhoods to support local businesses and explore new opportunities within their neighborhood this holiday season.

NYC & Company is the official marketing, tourism and partnership organization for the City of New York, dedicated to maximizing travel and tourism opportunities throughout the five boroughs, building economic prosperity and promoting the positive image of New York City worldwide.

For more press inquiries please contact Tiffany Townsend at ttownsend@nycgo.com.